As Novak Djokovic celebrated a record seventh Australian Open men’s singles title, Rafael Nadal and the many members of his support team sat stunned in the Rod Laver Arena. Never before has the Spaniard suffered such ignominy in a grand slam final.

It was Nadal, the 17-times grand-slam champion from Spain, who said in 2017 that Djokovic, at his best, was the toughest opponent he had ever played, which caused some consternation among Roger Federer’s legions of supporters. But the evidence to back this up was provided during a final that Djokovic dominated from start to finish, needing just two hours and four minutes for a 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 win.

Djokovic had surgery on his right elbow 12 months ago but has looked revitalised since returning

ANDY BROWNBILL/AP

This was one of the greatest performances of the 31-year-old Serbian’s career, and a fitting